October 12-24, 2007

Contact Norma Joseph (309) 677-4747

- Day By Day Itinerary -

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October 12 - Chicago to Shanghai

Depart Chicago on a United Airlines direct flight to Shanghai. In-flight meals are included and beverage service is available. Crossing the International Date Line, you will lose one calendar day.

October 13 - Arrive Shanghai

Upon your arrival to Shanghai, you will be met and escorted to the hotel. Shanghai is China’s largest commercial center.

October 14 - Shanghai

Today’s sightseeing is an introduction to this cosmopolitan metropolis: emporium-lined Nanjing Hua Hai Road, the new Shanghai Museum, the riverfront Bund, and the Jade Buddha Temple. In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner, followed by an acrobatic show. (AB, L, D)

October 15 - Shanghai to Yichang, Cruising

You will have a morning at leisure in Shanghai before flying to Yichang. Enjoy a city tour followed by dinner at a local restaurant before boarding Victoria Cruises to begin your memorable cruise upstream. (AB, L, D)

October 16 – Cruisingg

Cruising San Dou Ping (Three Gorges Dam Project) to Xiling Gorge/Wu Gorge/Wushan Pass Gezhou Dam and the Yichang ship lock. Stop at San Dou Ping Village to view the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam. Marvel at the majesty of Xiling Gorge, the longest of the famous Three Gorges, and Wu Gorge’s deep zigzagging valley, cradled between the wooded Twelve Peaks. (B,L,D)

October 17 - Cruising Wushan (Three Small Gorges)

At Wushan, a motorboat takes you on an excursion up the Daning River’s renowned Small Gorges—Dragon, Misty or Emerald. Continue by sampan to the picturesque mini-gorges of the Ma Du River with its clear running water, unusual rock formations, and monkeys and goats along the banks. Depending on the water level, your excursion might operate on Shennong Stream with its equally spectacular small gorges. Depart Wushan this afternoon. (B, L, D)

October 18 – Cruising Shibaozhai

A shore excursion at Shibaozhai shows its scenic 12-story wooden pagoda. (B, L, D)

October 19 – Chongquing/X’ian

Disembark in Chongquing, where you board your flight to X’ian, a city celebrated throughout history. Marco Polo’s contemporaries marveled at X’ian, believing it to be the largest city in the world. In modern time, X’ian has regained international fame because of an extensive archaeological find unearthed there. X’ian prides itself on its museums, with relics dating back to 6,000 BC, and is considered a center of Chinese antiquity. The Pan P'o museum, for instance, sits on the site of a Dawn Age village. The emperor who unified China in the 3rd Century BC is also commemorated there. In the afternoon, visit the city walls of X’ian and the local market. At night, enjoy a special Dim Sum (Chinese Dumplings) Dinner. (B, L, D)

October 20 – X’ian

Today visit Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, the world famous archaeological site discovered in 1974. Hundreds of beautifully preserved relics of pottery, tools, and dwellings and burial sites dating from the 3rd Century BC have come to light. Digging continues with new artifacts being unearthed every day. Most well known are the life-size terra cotta warriors, presumed to be modeled after actual men because they were sculpted with their own unique clothing, facial characteristics and poses. In addition, you will visit X’ian's Bell Tower for a wonderful view of the city, and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum where a vast display of stone carvings and statues is located. Most interesting is a "Forest of Steles," the largest collection of monumental stone carvings in China. And visit the Small and Big Wild Goose Pagodas—over 1,000 years old. Tonight, enjoy a Chinese dinner and show in the hotel. (AB, L, D)

October 21 – Xian/Beijing

Take a morning flight to Beijing. After time to relax, enjoy a rickshaw tour of the Huton District. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping. This evening enjoy a Hot Pot Dinner. (AB, L, D)

October 22 - Beijingg

Today is an exciting day as you tour the largest Wonder of the World, The Great Wall of China, snaking along a 3,750-mile long course. First built during the 5th century BC, it is the only man-made structure that can be seen from outer space! Over 300,000 laborers worked 10 years to finish the wall, constructing 25,000 towers rising 40' high. Then you’ll visit the legendary Ming Tombs where imposing stone animals guard the Sacred Way to the burial place of 13 emperors. Enjoy a Kung-fu Show this evening. (AB, L)

October 23 - Beijing

Sightseeing today will include important highlights of the capital. View the Forbidden City, former residence of the Imperial family and famous for its exquisite collections of jade, porcelain, and bronzes; Tian' An Men Square, one of the largest squares in the world, and its huge stone Gate of Heavenly Peace; and the Temple of Heaven, where ornately carved columns line the way where Emperors once walked and worshipped. Also see the Summer Palace, a royal retreat built in 1888, famous for its marble boat and lovely surroundings. Enjoy your Farewell Peking Duck Dinner this evening. (AB, L, D)

October 24 - Beijing to Chicago

Enjoy a morning at leisure for last minute shopping before you depart Beijing on a United Airlines non-stop flight to Chicago. You cross the International Date Line and arrive the same day with wonderful memories of your journey through China and along the Yangtze River. (AB)

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For booking and information, contact Norma Joseph, (309) 677-4747
or complete the WTVP Travels interest form.